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More on JVC's high-definition Everio camcorder
We just babelfished a bit more information out of Japan this morning on JVC's new high definition Everio camcorder. JVC confirms that their hi-def HDD cam will feature a trio of 1/5-inch CCDs like their GZ-MG505 camera and will shoot 16:9 at 1080i like we had assumed. So if you need to shoot in 1080p and can afford it, well, you'll just have look elsewhere. The new Everio will also be the first to slap on a FUJINON lens presumed to bring a 10x optical zoom judging by the print 'round the ring. We expect to see some working prototypes on display at CREATEC Japan where more information will surely roll. [Via Impress]
ByD:sign / EyeFi's 1080p LCD TVs for Japan and beyond
Here ya go TeeVee fans, 5ish new models straight out of Japan. We know it hurts to see all this not-for-the-US tech coming through but just hang with us on these, 'cause from the looks of it, they'll be available on these golden shores under the EyeFi branding soon enough. The five HDMI-equipped sets break down into 37, 32, and 27-inchers capable of 1920x1080, 1366x768, and 1280x720 pixels respectively. Each model features an ISDB-T Hi-Vision (high definition) digital tuner for Japan (with ATSC and DVB-T tuners on the way for the US and beyond). The big, bad, 37-inch LF-3701DFK (pictured) brings a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 8-millisecond response, and 176-degree visibility along with the usual in and outs consisting of S-Video, 2 x composite, Japanese D4, and RGB. And fortunately, that speaker sprouting below the panel can be chucked for a cleaner look when attached to your home audio system. The two 32-inch models -- LW-3202DFK and LW-3201DFK -- are the same panels only with fixed speakers mounted either below, or along sides of the LCD. Same story on those 27-inchers -- the LW-2702DFK and LW-2701DFK -- with the former also offering that 1366x768 pixel resolution seen by the 32-inch models. Prices are set to range from ¥99,800 to ¥199,800 (or about $863 to $1,729) when these panels hit the streets of Japan starting today -- righteous pricing by the time these panels hit the US. [Via Impress]
Hitachi's Ultravision HLT79: a 32-inch 1080p LCD TV for $2200
Remember that mega-spec'd and rock-bottom priced 42-inch hunk-o-plasma Hitachi announced earlier this month? Consider it a trend 'cause Hitachi is now saying that they'll be pushing out four new 1080p LCD displays with 120Hz refresh and their Black Frame Insertion picture enhancement technology for less than $3000. Yeah, that ain't no typo -- p as in progressive for less than the five-large similarly sized sets pull today. The Ultravision HLT79 family will spawn a $2200, 32-incher and $2700, 37-inch model while the HLX99 Director's series will offer some additional features and image tuning in the $2500, 32-incher and $3000, 37-inch panel. All models are expected to ship in November, just in time for the holidays. With prices in freefall, the argument over whether you can see any difference between 1080i and 1080p (or even 720p) in sets this small just doesn't seem to matter anymore, eh? And yeah, that 32-incher ensures Hitachi's rule as the world's smallest 1080p display.
Panasonic's 65-inch TH-65PV500B plasma TV reviewed
With the World Cup set to start in less than two weeks, it's time to extract the catheter, re-prioritize, and go big. Trusted Reviews just posted a giddy review of Panasonic's 65-inch Viera TH-65PV500B plasma TV calling it "one of the very few truly giant" sets designed for the "average Joe" with, uh 13 Gs to burn. This 1080i capable beast features HDMI (with HDCP) and component options for HD sources, a PC jack, and three SCARTs (2 x RGB), S-Video, and an SD slot. The 65PV500B also brings its own digital-tuner to the party with "all the bangs and whistles" you'd expect like a 7-day EPG with timer. But the picture's the thing boy, and this set delivers by slapping-up "outstanding" images by the standards of big plasmas with colors touting excellent vibrancy and subtlety. Blacks are "superbly dark" and pictures are "superbly free of video noise" even when sourced from upwardly scaled, standard definition feeds. After a review like this, you can just forget about that new kidney your doc's been droning-on about -- you need this TeeVee.
Pioneer launches PDP-5000EX for June
It's been a while since we heard about Pioneer's "world's smallest" 50-inch 1080p plasma at CEATAC 2005 (which was knocked down a couple of months later by Fujitsu & Hitachi's 42-inch 1080p plasma), but they may yet be the first company to actually get theirs on the market. Pioneer's launching their PDP-5000EX 1080p Pure Vision Black 1080p set in June with component, composite, HDMI, and HDCP DVI inputs. Of course there's no telling what it's going to set you back, but they just better hope Fujitsu & Hitachi don't swoop in for the kill and release theirs first.[Via NewLaunches]
